The Heroic Trio

Two symphonies from Beethoven's so-called 'Heroic' period—No 4 completed in 1806 and the supremely defiant No 5 begun in the same year and completed two years later.

Johann Nepomuk Hummel was one of the finest composers bridging the gap between the Classical and Romantic eras. His teachers included Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven, and Hummel learned his lessons very well. His music is notable for its harmonious treatments, expert architecture and never-ending string of attractive melodies.

Johann Nepomuk Hummel - Trio Parnassus - Complete Piano Trios
2xCD | EAC+LOG+CUE | APE: 435 MB | Artwork | 5% Recovery Info
Label/Cat#: MDG "Gold" # 303 0307-2 | Country/Year: Germany 199_, 1989
Genre: Classical | Style: Viennese School, Piano

"…In conclusion, this is a splendid set covering some of Hummel's most rewarding music in performances that cannot be improved upon. Although there are a few other Hummel recordings that are mighty fine, the 'best of Hummel' is to be found in this MDG set and the Chandos piano concerto disc featuring Stephen Hough. With such wonderful performances, Hummel becomes a worthy alternative to Haydn, Mozart and early Beethoven. The MDG is an essential set worth every penny of its premium price." ~musicweb-international

Music patronage is something many musicians today look back to with deep nostalgia. The presence of rich, frequently aristocratic men and women who liked to spend a conspicuous part of their wealth on music, thus providing bread and opportunities to countless composers and performers, is regarded as a true blessing for art history and for those who lived it.

Apparently a staple in Russia, the music of Taneyev exists on the fringes of the repertoire in the West, something that should be rectified–and will be if this superb CD made by a starry cast of performers gets the attention it deserves. He’s a Romantic composer, but hardly of the heart-on-sleeve variety, since he was a master of counterpoint and firmly encased his Romantic impulses in a well-fitted classical jacket. Sometimes he makes you think of a more modern, pungent Brahms with a Russian accent.

Sony Classical is pleased to present Emanuel Ax, Leonidas Kavakos, and Yo-Yo Ma's Beethoven for Three: Symphony No. 4 and Op. 97 “Archduke," which will be released March 15, 2024.